Some journeys aren't made by giant leaps, but by steady, deliberate moves. In 2018, Ubud Muay Thai began with a single step: opening our doors to anyone ready to grow. Seven years later, each move, each decision, and each drop of sweat has built something bigger than we ever imagined. This May 5th, we celebrate the spirit that keeps pushing us forward.
In this article, we'll take you through the seven key "moves" that shaped our journey, from finding our stance in year one to holding tight to what matters in year seven. Each move represents a step forward, a lesson learned, and a commitment to building a community that thrives on resilience, purpose, and connection.
1. Year One: Stance - Our Foundation
Our first year was all about getting our footing. Just like a fighter needs a strong stance, we need a solid foundation. We became part of the Ubud community, creating a space built on trust, respect, and shared goals.
It wasn't just about introducing Muay Thai classes, it was about cultivating a place where individuals could feel safe to challenge themselves and grow. Every decision made during this year was about building stability, so every member could find strength not just in training, but within themselves.
2. Year Two: Footwork - Staying Adaptable
By the second year, we learned that movement is essential to survival. Life in Bali moves fast, and our gym needed to be just as agile. We introduced new classes, adjusted our schedules, and responded to the needs of our growing community.
Footwork isn't just about speed, it's about precision, timing, and the ability to shift with purpose. Our ability to stay light on our feet meant we could meet challenges head-on without losing our direction.
3. Year Three: Punch - Making Impact
In our third year, our efforts started to land. Our presence grew stronger, not only in Ubud but across Bali. Our community outreach, partnerships, and events like sparring nights and workshops began making a real impact.
Every "punch", from small community drives to larger tournaments, sent a message: Ubud Muay Thai wasn't just here to train fighters; we were here to build champions in life.
4. Year Four: Kick - Reaching Further
Year four was about growth. Like a fighter who extends their range with a powerful kick, we expanded beyond the gym. We connected more deeply with Bali's wellness scene, partnered with local businesses, and introduced new wellness programs.
It wasn’t about growing for the sake of it, it was about reaching more people, finding new ways to support our members, and building relationships that added value to what we do.
5. Year Five: Knee - Rising Through Pressure
Our fifth year tested us in ways we couldn't have anticipated. Global challenges changed the way we operated overnight. But like a knee strike delivered under pressure, we met adversity with power and intent.
We adjusted our classes, introduced home service training, and stayed connected to our community even when distance kept us apart. It was a year that proved resilience isn't just built in the ring, it's built in the heart.
6. Year Six: Elbow - Sharpening Our Identity
By the sixth year, clarity came. We refined our programs, deepened our commitment to authenticity, and became more intentional about who we are and what we stand for.
Like an elbow strike cutting through defenses, we took the time to reassess and fine-tune what we offered. We streamlined our programs, got clearer on our goals, and focused on creating a training experience that was both meaningful and sustainable for our community.
7. Year Seven: Clinch - Holding What Matters
This year, in our seventh year, we embrace the clinch. The clinch isn't just a fighting move, it's about connection, endurance, and control. We're holding tight to what matters most: our community, our values, and the family we've built. Every class, every session, every shared moment on the mats is a reminder that strength comes from staying close to our roots, even as we keep reaching for more.
Every move we’ve made, every small shift and big leap, has built something that’s real, lasting, and deeply personal. These years weren’t just about getting stronger; they were about growing wiser, becoming more grounded, and learning how to lead with heart. None of this would have been possible without the people who believed in what we’re doing and kept showing up, day in, day out.
As we step into our next chapter, we carry those lessons with us. We're not chasing perfection. We're committed to progress in training, in community, and in the lives we touch. If you’ve stood by us since the early days or recently found your way to our mats, we want you to know: the journey is far from over, and there’s always space for you to grow with us!